When Parents Need To Restrict A Teen To Use Smartphone

Although some teens think Smartphone usage is a right, running a phone is a privilege. And there might be instances when taking that privilege away could be the best thing for your teen. Be looking for signs your teen’s phone use interferes with their behavior, grades, social life, or overall everyday functioning.

When to Restrict Your Teens’ Cell Phone Use?

There are many warning signs you might want to restrict your teen’s phone privileges, including whenever they:

Break Your Phone Rules

It’s important to generate clear Smartphone rules that outline your expectations. Your list of rules should address issues surrounding phone etiquette—like no texting during dinner—in addition to regulations that address safety issues—like no sending sexually explicit photos.

Rules must also address the financial aspects of running a Smartphone. If your teen explains their data allowance because they’re streaming movies or require a brand new phone simply because they lost theirs, it causes them to become financially responsible. Eliminate phone privileges until they pay the bill or until they could obtain a new phone.

Aren’t Doing Well in School

If your teen’s grades are slipping, removing their phone might take the order. Limiting phone use for a time might mean fewer distractions while doing homework.

But more to the point, you should use the telephone as a motivator to obtain excellent grades. Say, “Once you get caught up on all your research, you might have your phone back.” Earning phone liberties can function as the motivation they have to get seriously interested in school work.

Can’t Sleep

While all electronics could hinder an excellent night’s sleep, smartphones could be especially problematic. If your teen is having trouble getting out of bed for college promptly, or he sleeps especially late on the weekends, it could be an indicator his telephone is maintaining him up at night. Midnight texts from buddies or checking social networking when he wakes at 2 a.m. may function as the culprit. Don’t allow your teen to rest with a smartphone in the bedroom.

Produce a notion that claims all smartphones get turned off at a particular hour, like 9 p.m. Then charge telephones in your home (or another popular room) during overnight hours. Then, your teen will not feel pressured to take portion in late-night discussions together with his friends.

Seem Addicted

You can find reasoned explanations for why many teens constantly have to be on social media. An optimistic social networking interaction or even a quick text message gives them a boost in confidence. So, they keep working back for more feedback. But, being mounted on a smartphone all day can be very problematic. If your teenager is texting, scrolling and gaming hinder her ability to obtain work done, set some healthy limits on how much your teen can utilize the phone.

Consider carrying out a digital detox, as well. Put aside a screen-free weekend for everyone or make every Saturday per day without cell phones. Creating activities that don’t involve technology can remind your teen she can have some fun without her phone.

Are Missing On Real Life

Whether you’re vacationing in the Grand Canyon or you’re at a professional sporting event, it’s common to see teens with their noses buried in their phones. It is also common to see teens ignore the folks standing right before them to allow them to text someone else.

If your teen’s cell phone use crosses the line from being fully a tool that enhances their life to an object that disrupts living, restrict their privileges. They may need your help to create limits on what much they stare at their phone.

Are Using the Phone While Driving

If your teen can’t resist replying to a text message when he’s driving, or he can’t keep from scrolling through social networking each time he extends to a traffic light, his cell phone use would have fatal consequences. Set up a zero-tolerance policy for cell phone use while driving.

Whether you install software that restricts his ability to use his phone, or you tell him to keep his phone in the glove box, talk about the dangers of distracted driving. If your teen isn’t mature enough to follow the principles, he’s not willing to be behind the wheel. Not just might you’ll need to restrict his phone privileges, but in addition, you might consider restricting his driving privileges.